Load up on vitamin C the natural way with this refreshing Vitamin C Powerhouse Smoothie. This immune-boosting drink combines several vitamin C-rich ingredients for a bright, flavorful and nourishing smoothie you can enjoy any time.
I originally developed this smoothie during a Culinary Nutrition program and recently rediscovered the recipe while cleaning my files. It remains one of my favorite ways to get a concentrated dose of vitamin C in a delicious, portable form. The combination of goji berries, citrus, strawberries, guava and camu camu powder creates a bright, tangy flavor that’s both refreshing and revitalizing. Grab a blender and try it for a quick immune-supporting boost.
Benefits Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is often associated with immune support, but its role goes far beyond that. Regularly including vitamin C-rich foods in your diet supports many aspects of health. Key benefits include:
- Essential for growth and repair of tissues throughout the body
- Plays a central role in collagen production, supporting skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels
- Assists wound healing and helps maintain bones and teeth
- Supports iron absorption and helps prevent iron deficiency
- Acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from free radical damage
- May help lower the risk of certain chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease
For further reading, reputable health sites like Medical News Today and Healthline provide detailed overviews of vitamin C and its benefits (search their sites for “vitamin C benefits”).
Which Foods Are High In Vitamin C?
Because the body cannot synthesize vitamin C, it’s important to include vitamin C-rich foods daily. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources. Examples include guava, bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, papaya, broccoli, pineapple, cantaloupe, tomatoes and dark leafy greens.
This smoothie brings together several of those ingredients—goji berries, orange, strawberries, lemon, guava and camu camu powder—so it delivers a concentrated source of vitamin C in every sip. And importantly, it tastes great and is extremely refreshing.
How To Make This Vitamin C Powerhouse Smoothie
Gather your ingredients: Here’s what you’ll need to make two servings of this vitamin C-rich smoothie.
- Goji berries: 2 tablespoons (soak in 1/2 cup water for 5–10 minutes to soften)
- Water: 1/2 cup (used to soak the goji berries)
- Orange: 1 whole, peeled, seedless
- Strawberries: 1 cup
- Guava: 1 whole peeled guava, or substitute 1 cup pineapple if guava is not available
- Lemon or lime juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
- Camu camu powder: 1 teaspoon (optional—very concentrated source of vitamin C)
- Ice cubes: 1–2 handfuls, to chill and thicken
Detailed ingredient amounts and directions are provided in the recipe section below.
Blend it up: After soaking the goji berries, add all ingredients to a high-speed blender, including the goji soaking water. Blend on high until smooth. If the smoothie is too thin, add more ice; if it’s too thick, add a splash of water and blend again until you reach your preferred consistency.
Serve and enjoy: Pour into two glasses and enjoy this immune-boosting, vitamin C-rich smoothie immediately for the best flavor and nutrient quality.
FAQ
Camu camu is a small fruit native to the Amazon rainforest and is among the richest natural sources of vitamin C. The fresh berries are very tart, which is why camu camu is commonly sold in powdered form and used as a supplement or ingredient to boost vitamin C content.
Yes. The smoothie will still be full of vitamin C from the fruits; camu camu simply increases the total vitamin C content if you want an extra boost.
Vitamin C Powerhouse Smoothie — Recipe Card
Description
A bright, immune-supporting smoothie loaded with vitamin C from citrus, berries, guava (or pineapple), goji berries and optional camu camu powder. Ready in about 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons goji berries
- 1/2 cup water (for soaking goji berries)
- 1 whole peeled seedless orange
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 whole peeled guava (or 1 cup pineapple)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon camu camu powder (optional)
- 1–2 handfuls of ice cubes
Instructions
- Soften the goji berries: Soak 2 tablespoons of goji berries in 1/2 cup water for 5–10 minutes to soften them.
- Add ingredients to blender: Add the soaked goji berries and their soaking water, the orange, strawberries, guava (or pineapple), lemon or lime juice, camu camu powder (if using) and ice to a blender.
- Blend: Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness by adding more ice to thicken or a splash of water to thin.
- Serve: Pour into two glasses and enjoy immediately for peak flavor and nutrition.
Notes
- Guava note: Guava is very high in vitamin C but can be hard to find in some areas. Pineapple is a great substitute and keeps the smoothie full of vitamin C.
- Consistency: If the smoothie is too thin, add more ice. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water and blend again.
- Ingredient sources: Goji berries and camu camu powder are commonly available at health food stores or bulk sections of some supermarkets; they are optional but add concentrated nutrients.
I hope you enjoy this smoothie and the vitamin C boost it provides. Let me know if you try it and any variations you discover!